1. Brenda Russell is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and keyboardist.
21 Facts About Brenda Russell
1. 2.
Brenda Russell has received five Grammy nominations, winning in 2017 for writing the music for The Color Purple.
3.
Brenda Russell spent her early years in Canada after moving to Hamilton, Ontario, at the age of 12.
4.
When Brenda Russell was 14 years old she met the group the Soul Searchers.
5.
The couple divorced, and Brenda Russell set out on a solo career from her base in Los Angeles.
6.
Brenda Russell co-wrote the track "Breakout" for Patrice Rushen's 1982 album Straight From The Heart, and performed backing vocals on the song.
7.
Also in 1982, Brenda Russell was one of the "All Star Choir" on Donna Summer's hit single "State of Independence", which included Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and Stevie Wonder among others.
8.
Brenda Russell relocated to Sweden for a brief time and began writing songs for her next album.
9.
The album became Brenda Russell's first charting album in the UK where it peaked at number 77.
10.
The title track "Get Here", which was penned by Brenda Russell, was later covered by American singer Oleta Adams for her 1990 album Circle of One, and became a transatlantic hit for Adams in 1991.
11.
Brenda Russell issued her fifth album, Kiss Me with the Wind, in 1990.
12.
Brenda Russell wrote and produced the track "Forever" for Phil Perry's 1991 album The Heart of the Man.
13.
Brenda Russell featured on the 1991 charity single "Voices That Care", which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.
14.
Brenda Russell appeared on Joni Mitchell's 1991 album Night Ride Home as well as on the Yellowjackets' 1992 album Live Wires.
15.
Brenda Russell co-wrote and produced the track "Let Somebody Know" for Diana Ross on the US version of her 1995 album Take Me Higher.
16.
Brenda Russell recorded two songs for the 1999 film Liberty Heights, in which she appeared.
17.
Russell returned to her solo career in 2000 with the album Paris Rain, released on Hidden Beach Records, with contributions from Carole King, Dave Koz and Sheila E The album saw Russell move away from the pop market toward a more adult-oriented sound.
18.
In 2015, Brenda Russell, after making her home in Los Angeles for 30 years, took up residence in Texas.
19.
In 2016, Brenda Russell received a Grammy for The Color Purple in the category of Best Musical Theater Album.
20.
Brenda Russell has received a total of five Grammy nominations altogether.
21.
Brenda Russell featured as a singer in the feature films American Hot Wax, The Santa Clause, and Liberty Heights.